The Scottish Government

December 2008

ODS Consulting

To explore the views of young people (aged 16 to 25) towards road safety. The research was undertaken to inform the development of the new Scottish Road Safety Strategy.

Young people participating in focus groups expressed a high degree of trust in friends as drivers, although drivers suggested that the presence of friends as passengers encourages them to show off. Participants felt that speeding was very common and acceptable, particularly on quiet roads and motorways. Participants were unsure about the legal limit for drinking and driving. Driving under the influence of drugs was generally seen as unacceptable. Most participants suggested they wear seatbelts all the time, but a minority said that they sometimes do not, particularly as a passenger. There was strong resistance to any suggestion of greater restrictions on younger drivers.

December 2008

TNS System Three, Transport Research Laboratory ( TRL) and Transport Research Institute (Tri) Napier University

To investigate the causes of accidents on rural roads and to gain insights which could be used to tackle the problem.

Police data shows that the most frequently reported factors contributing to rural road accidents are 'loss of control' and driving at inappropriate speed (which includes 'travelling too fast for the conditions' and 'exceeding the speed limit'). Only half the drivers surveyed (51%) knew that the National Speed Limit sign meant a maximum of 60mph for car driving. Drivers saw rural roads as low risk, due to fewer vehicles and pedestrians, and lower police presence. An analysis of survey responses found there was little difference in the extent of reported non-compliant driving behaviours (e.g. driving when very tired, whilst using a mobile phone or after drinking any alcohol) on rural roads compared to other road types.

September 2008

Halcrow Group Limited

To assess the performance and impacts of the Air Discount Scheme ( ADS) and to provide recommendations on its development beyond March 2008.

87% of the eligible population are members of the ADS and just over one third of members have used the scheme. Uptake is lower in Caithness and Sutherland. A high proportion of ADS members surveyed were very satisfied with the ease of application, booking and ongoing administration of the scheme. Around 142,000 single flights were made through the scheme during the year from September 2006 to August 2007. It is estimated that over 18,000 of these flights would not have taken place without the existence of the ADS. 60% of members surveyed travelling on non-business trips reported a cut of 4 hours or more in average journey times since scheme began.

August 2008

Colin Buchanan and RSN Associates

To review the uptake and use of the S1/S2 Personal and Social Development ( PSD) Road Safety Education Resource and provide recommendations for the development of an updated resource for this age group.

The existing S1/S2 road safety materials were not widely used in schools, particularly in S2 classes, although the theatre in education play which accompanies the resource was well received. Pupils, teachers and Road Safety Officers identified the need for different materials for S1 and S2, and for resources that offer a variety of learning and teaching approaches, including multi-media technologies.

August 2008

Steer Davies Gleave

To explore the role of transport as a barrier to participation and attendance in cultural activity throughout Scotland, and to make recommendations on how accessibility by public transport (and other sustainable modes where relevant) could be improved.

Transport may not be amongst the most significant barriers to participation in cultural activity, such as time, cost and lack of interest. However, transport is linked to these other barriers. There are many examples of good practice in providing public transport links to cultural sites, including the provision of public transport information, and integrated ticketing and entry packages. However, a number of barriers exist to enhancing public transport access to cultural activity, particularly in more remote locations. Complacency about current audiences and how they reach venues often overrides consideration about alternative ways to access sites than by private car.

March 2008

Centre for Child and Adolescent Health, University of the West of England

To assess the impact of a national child pedestrian skills training programme (called Kerbcraft) on children's pedestrian safety and to identify the most effective ways of establishing and sustaining practical child pedestrian training schemes at local level.

The pedestrian skills of a sample of trained and untrained children were assessed before and after training. The evaluation found strong statistical evidence of a positive impact from training in the three Kerbcraft skills (relating to safer road crossing). The pilots were positive in strengthening communities, through volunteering and fostering links with schools and authorities, and provided personal and developmental opportunities for volunteers. Securing funding to continue training beyond the pilot phase has presented a challenge to all authorities.

March 2008

TNS System Three

To measure prevalence of driving after drinking alcohol among drivers in Scotland (both within and above the legal limit) and to examine attitudes to drink-driving and the thought process behind the decision either to do or not to do so. The research was designed to provide insight that could be used in future anti- drink-drive campaigns and communications.

Compared with similar research undertaken in 2001, there has been a reduction in reported levels of driving after drinking any quantity of alcohol, and in drink-driving. Nonetheless, 5% of people surveyed thought they had driven when they were over the limit in the past 12 months. Various reasons were given for driving after drinking alcohol. Drivers often said they thought they were under the legal limit and their driving ability was unaffected. However, there was confusion as to how the number of drinks or units related to legal limits. Killing someone was seen as the most serious consequence of drink-driving, and getting caught was a bigger fear, although both were seen as unlikely.